The AAS Harlow Shapley Visiting Lectures Program brings distinguished astronomers and astronomy educators to schools and communities across North America to share the wonder of the Universe and inspire people to bring science into their lives. Visits typically take place over 2–3 days; AAS covers all travel costs of the visiting lecturer. The program, which grew out of AAS’s Visiting Professors Program dating back to 1958, is named in honor of eminent astronomer and former AAS President Harlow Shapley (1885–1972) and has been a long-running tradition for the Society. For many years, AAS has financially supported the travel of its visiting lecturers through an endowed fund built through private charitable donations.